The entire range of Michelin MotoGP™ tires was put to the test today at the Motul TT Assen where the best riders in the world put in a real demonstration on the track. Victory went to Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team).
The good weather in Assen allowed the drivers to run the different compounds of the MICHELIN Power Slicks tires available for this 4,542 km Dutch circuit, nicknamed the “Cathedral of Speed” in reference to its rich history in motorcycle racing. While the competitors were on the starting grid, there was excitement as many teams changed tire options to ensure they had the best products for their machines and drivers. The test sessions had in fact demonstrated the performance of all the tires for the race, which led to several last minute changes. Pole sitter Marc Marquez got the best start, before being overtaken on the first lap by the winner of the last two races Lorenzo (Ducati Team). It was the start of a most intense and exciting race since six different riders, four different brands of motorcycles shod with four different combinations of MICHELIN Power slicks led the 26-lap long event.
The Michelin tires gave the riders the confidence to push to the limits this afternoon, despite a strong wind at the Assen circuit, and the leadership changed several times between Marquez, Lorenzo, Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) , Maverick Vinales (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP), Alex Rins (Team SUZUKI ECSTAR) and Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP). The atmosphere was also hot in the stands where 105 spectators had taken their seats, spectators amazed by the talent of the drivers and the grip offered by the MICHELIN Power slicks throughout the laps. Marquez finally made the break two laps from the end to win and consolidate his first place in the championship. He is followed by Rins, Viñales – who also set the fastest lap in the race. Dovizioso failed to reach the podium in front of Rossi, both having been chased by Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) who won the First Independent Rider prize. Lorenzo cut the line in 000e position ahead of Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3). Alvaro Bautista (Angel Nieto Team) rode his Ducati to 9e place for 3e consecutive time, while Jack Miller (Alma Pramac Racing) completes the top-ten. The performance of the Michelin tires was underlined by a fast and close race: it is the most compact top-15 in history since all the drivers in the points are within just 16 seconds – the previous record was 23 seconds in Qatar this year.
It's a short trip that awaits Michelin and MotoGP to get to the other side of the border, in Germany, and the Sachsenring. The former East Germany circuit welcomes the 9e round of the championship Sunday July 15.
Marc Marquez – Repsol Honda Team:
“The race was very tough today, everyone was trying to manage their tires and it was very windy. Perfect conditions to have the best race of the season. It was a great fight and it was the first time we used the softest rubber, so we had to learn to manage it. In the end, I gave everything and the tire was still performing well, it was decisive. I felt good with the bike and with my tire package. I'm happy to be part of this championship, today I think everyone had a great time. »
Piero Taramasso – Michelin Motorsport Two-Wheel Manager:
“What an incredible race! It was an honor for us to see our tires pushed to their limits by the best drivers in the world. It's very gratifying to see the confidence they had in their tires throughout the race. The weather was stable all weekend, which allowed the teams to find the optimal tire combination for one of the most complicated tracks of the season. And this was confirmed in the race with an ultra-close top-15. We once again had different front and rear tire combinations on track. Marc and Maverick chose a medium at the front and a soft at the back, while Alex went with a medium/hard pair. Among the other leaders, Valentino was also in medium/soft, Andrea had opted for a medium/hard pair and Jorge was wearing a 4e different combination with a soft one at the front and a hard one at the back. This underlines our desire to offer high-performance tires on all circuits to all drivers and teams. »
